Iraqi Prime Minister Confirms Death of Islamic State Leader in Joint Operation

Iraq’s Prime Minister announced the killing of Islamic State leader Abdallah Maki Mosleh al-Rifai, facilitating a major victory over terrorism. The operation was executed with U.S.-led coalition forces in Anbar province. Concurrently, Iraqi and Syrian leaders committed to collaboration against IS threats, bridging historical ties while acknowledging the complexities of regional security.

The Iraqi Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, announced the death of Abdallah Maki Mosleh al-Rifai, also known as “Abu Khadija,” the head of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. This operation was executed by the Iraqi national intelligence service in collaboration with U.S.-led coalition forces. Al-Sudani remarked that the operation exemplified Iraq’s continued triumph over terrorism and dark forces, reflecting their ongoing commitment to fighting the militant group.

The operation took place in Anbar province, where a security official confirmed that an airstrike resulted in al-Rifai’s death. Although the operation occurred the night before the announcement, it was publicized on Friday, highlighting Iraq’s intelligence capabilities. This significant development coincided with a visit by Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaybani, who indicated that Syria and Iraq would collaborate in addressing the threats posed by the Islamic State.

During a news conference, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fouad Hussein acknowledged the mutual threats facing their societies, specifically from IS. Hussein reported discussions about the terrorist movements between their borders and confirmed the establishment of an operations room involving Syria, Iraq, Turkey, Jordan, and Lebanon to combat IS effectively. Moreover, both nations expressed a shared commitment to fostering their historical ties for regional stability.

The geopolitical climate remains tense due to the shifting control in Syria post-Assad’s departure. While new rulers such as Hayat Tahrir al-Sham actively confront IS cells, there are rising concerns regarding security stability that could permit IS to regain power. The U.S. and Iraq previously agreed to conclude the military coalition’s mission in Iraq by September 2025, as local leaders initially believed the threat had diminished. However, the recent developments have prompted recalibration of this security assessment by Iraqi officials, altering their stance on the necessity of U.S. cooperation.

The recent death of Abdallah Maki Mosleh al-Rifai represents a notable victory for Iraq in its ongoing battle against the Islamic State. The collaborative efforts between Iraq and Syria to address common security threats highlight the importance of regional cooperation. While the geopolitical dynamics in Syria and concerns over IS resurgence loom, leaders are reassessing their security postures and commitments to ensure sustained stability in the region.

Original Source: apnews.com